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From the Innovation in Design Credit Catalog (March 2008), we find that a previous project received an ID credit for "building elevators with innovative technology that does not use hydraulic flu...

Inquiry

From the Innovation in Design Credit Catalog (March 2008), we find that a previous project received an ID credit for "building elevators with innovative technology that does not use hydraulic fluid, eliminating the need for a machine room and reducing the energy required [including demonstrating] the associated reduction of energy use." Our project is a large destination resort which includes 18 service and passenger elevators: 14 high-rise and 4 low-rise. Compared to conventional traction (high-rise) and hydraulic (low-rise) elevators typically specified for this type of project (based on a recent similar-scale resort project located near our project), the elevators for the project will have these benefits: Annual process energy cost will be reduced by 65% compared to that of conventional elevators: $8,400/yr vs $23,900/yr. The coated steel belts used in the proposed fourteen high-rise elevators have a lifespan twice that of conventional hoist-rope assemblies. This means that, for the fourteen high-rise elevators, the owner will need to replace 12,600 feet of steel belts half as often as for conventional elevators. The proposed fourteen high-rise elevators do not require lubrication because they do not have hoist ropes and machine rooms. This will eliminate, for each elevator, 1 gallon of petroleum-based and 3 -4 gallons of synthetic-base oil each year. Compared to the conventional approach of four low-rise hydraulic elevators, the proposed four traction elevators will use no hydraulic fluid, for a savings of 320 gallons. Elevator hydraulic fluid is typically a hydrocarbon. From BuildingGreen.com: "Leaking hydraulic oil, like all spilled oil, poses environmental risks in the form of soil and water contamination. Cleanup of hydraulic-oil-contaminated soils is a difficult and costly task.." All these elevators do not require a machine room. If we were including conventional elevators in our project, these machine rooms would total 3,200 sf. This additional space would require additional construction, including structural steel and framing, concrete, exterior and interior finishes, roofing, and electrical systems, for an added project cost of $1,120,000. Will this combination of benefits be sufficient for achievement of an ID credit?

Ruling

The project team is requesting that an Innovation in Design credit for savings associated with using non-traditional elevators thereby reducing the annual energy cost, removing the use of hydraulic fluid, reducing the maintenance required for the steel belts, and eliminating the capital cost of installing elevator machine rooms. Some of the benefits proposed are already accounted for in other credits, and therefore not eligible to also contribute towards an innovation point. The cost savings associated with the elevator should be accounted for in an exemplary calculation as part of Energy and Atmosphere credit 1. Also, the capital cost reduction associated with removing elevator machine rooms is not typically used as support for an ID credit, which is awarded for a strategy that provides a significant and quantifiable environmental benefit. The proposed reduction of the decreased need to replace the steel belts and reduction of the hydraulic oils may be worthy of an innovation point, however further information will be needed for certification. For certification, please provide the calculations for the baseline of the use of steel belts and the hydraulic oils, as well as the reductions that can be seen from the proposed strategy. Additionally, please provide quantifiable information on the environmental benefits of the proposed strategy such as the associated carbon emissions reduction, or specific information on soil and water contamination reduction from the proposed strategy. Also, please include cutsheets for the proposed elevators. Applicable Internationally.

Credit Intent: Implement a "Green Office Program" for building tenants who commit and prove they are operating as a "Green Office". The program will encourage tenants to operate mo...

Inquiry

Credit Intent: Implement a "Green Office Program" for building tenants who commit and prove they are operating as a "Green Office". The program will encourage tenants to operate more sustainably even if they are not performing a renovation (LEED-CI) for their office space. The goal is to provide method for tenants to move into the direction of sustainable operation, and with supporting documents showing achievement, be rewarded by the property management office. This will also encourage tenants to perform conduct cost-benefit analysis for improvements that can be achieved at nominal and/or no cost. Even credits that have a cost may still have that cost returned through reduced operating expenses. The "Green Office Program" is promoted through the building tenant guide and distributed by building managers, which encourages tenants to identify and implement no-cost and low-cost alternatives to operating in a standard indoor office environment. Scored on a scale of 100, offices are evaluated in seven categories: Energy Efficiency, People & Atmosphere; Travel & Commuting; Reduce, Reuse & Recycle; Cleaning; Remodeling & Construction; and LEED. When a specific strategy or improvement has been implemented, participating tenants earn "Leaf Credits." If an office achieves "70 Leaf Credits", it is then designated as a GREEN OFFICE. Here are a few items (entire program will be submitted with ID): Energy: - Set computers to "energy save" mode - Lower blinds in summer; raise blinds in winter - Install occupancy light sensors - Replace End of Life computer monitors with Energy Star Equipment - Set "sleep mode" for office equipment - Install compact fluorescent/low mercury light wherever possible People and Atmosphere: -Organize office employees to participate in a sustainability-focused community project once per year -Keep you local office employees updated quarterly about what green efforts you have achieved, your future sustainable goals, and how they can assist in reaching those goals Travel & Commuting: - Instead of traveling for meetings, reduce emissions by encourage teleconferencing and videoconferencing when possible - Ensure 25% of employees carpool or use mass transit to commute to work Reduce/Re-use/Recycle: - Use mugs and tumblers to save waste on disposable cups and plastic bottles - Participate in E-recycle Day for buildings annual e-recycle drive - Transition from petroleum-based or non-compostable products (ex: Styrofoam) to biodegradable products - Do not order any bottled water. Procure bottle-less water coolers to provide cool and hot filtered municipal water Remodeling & Construction: - Certify your office space as LEED-CI - Standardize workspace configuration to accommodate future change that will minimize remodeling and construction - Shift from "closed single offices" to efficient "open-office work plans" Requirements: Every 2 years, the tenant office manager would submit a scorecard to the property manager listing "green opportunities" achieved. Supporting documentation must be provided to achieve the credit. The tenant representative would also be required to attend quarterly building management/tenant meetings to updates to "Green Office Tenant Guidelines" and how they can promote sustainable office/business operation. As you can see, our goal is not to replace LEED-CI. Our program will not only encourage tenants seek LEED-CI, but also help grow our sustainable culture among building occupants beyond the built environment. Many tenants want to operate more sustainably. This program will be their guide.

Ruling

The described approach would qualify for an Innovation in Operations point due to the comprehensive and extensive education and outreach to building occupants and tenants around sustainability issues. Please note that this initiative falls under the umbrella of green education, and only one education-related IO point can be awarded per project. Applicable Internationally.

We would like to propose an innovation point for having a hotel use environmentally conscious and socially accountable textiles. Intent: To reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with te...

Inquiry

We would like to propose an innovation point for having a hotel use environmentally conscious and socially accountable textiles. Intent: To reduce the negative environmental impacts associated with textiles Requirements: Develop a procurement policy for facility purchased textiles (bedding and towels) that requires that at least three of the following product types be used for ALL associated textiles purchased for the facility: - Organic cotton (certified by be Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)) sheeting - Organic cotton (certified by be Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS)) bathroom linens - Bamboo sheeting - Bamboo bathroom linens - Oeko-Tex Standard 100 Certification (a globally uniform testing and certification system for textile raw materials. The tests for harmful substances comprise substances which are prohibited or regulated by law, chemicals which are known to be harmful to health, and parameters which are included as a precautionary measure to safeguard health) - Vegetal dyes (made from vegetables) - Kapok filled pillow inserts (Kapok is an all-natural fiber pulled from the seed pods of the kapok tree) Submittals: For the three compliant product types, please submit the following: - List manufacturer and product line - Item description (bedding, bathroom linens, etc) - Form of compliance (GOTS, Oeko-Tex, etc) - Letter from the manufacturer or manufacturer literature verifying compliance

Ruling

The project is inquiring about achieving an innovation point for an environmentally responsible purchasing polity for hotel textiles. While this is an admirable pursuit, this credit intent goes beyond the design and construction scope of LEED-NC 2.2, and addresses areas that fall under operations and maintenance for the project. To achieve an innovation credit, the project must create a comprehensive sustainable purchasing policy that addresses environmentally friendly purchases for the hotel's ongoing consumables - including bedding and linens, housekeeping, and toiletries and amenities. To receive an innovation point, the project team will need to provide 1. A statement of purpose describing what the sustainable purchasing policy is trying to achieve from a health and environmental standpoint. 2. A copy of the sustainable purchasing program indicating contractual or procedural requirements for operations staff to comply with the guidelines. 3. A clear set of acceptable performance level standards by which to measure progress or achievement, such as Green Seal standard GS-37 (see www.greenseal.org) or California Code of Regulations, Title 17 Section 94509, VOC standards for cleaning products (go to www.calregs.com, click on "California Code of Regulations" and perform a keyword search for "94509") and other 3rd party certifications for other products (as indicated above). 4. Documentation of the sustainable purchasing policy, including a list of approved and prohibited products and practices. Applicable Internationally.

The commercial office project is designed and constructed to achieve various LEED NC 2.2 credits. The project is located in Providence, Rhode Island. We are seeking an innovation in design credit (ID)...

Inquiry

The commercial office project is designed and constructed to achieve various LEED NC 2.2 credits. The project is located in Providence, Rhode Island. We are seeking an innovation in design credit (ID) for a Comprehensive Transportation plan based on the ID credit previously approved on 5/9/2003 The INTENT of this innovation credit is to provide occupants of the building additional options for Alternative Transportation and reduce the drive alone trips through the use of a Transportation Management Plan set forth by the Owner. The project is currently pursuing three SS 4 baseline credits including: a. Project is located within 1/4 mile of Bus service and directly across the street from train station. Direct route into Boston also. b. Bicycle Storage and shower facility is provided for employees. c. Preferred Parking is provided for low emitting/ fuel efficient vehicles. Please note that the project locations offers bus service beyond 2 lines [ >50 lines available from this location ]. In addition, the train station offers a direct line to the airport. The Comprehensive Transportation Plan will include the following additional elements: a. The employer is providing free bus passes to 30% of the employees [equivalent of 300 passes]. b. The Rhode Island Public Transportation Authority [RIPTA] provides a number of transportation amenities/ alternates for its residents and information on the same will be available through the employer's intranet. Information and amenities include: 1. Maps/ schedules/ contact info for Public Transportation 2. Information on incentives provided by RIPTA includes: a. RIPTA/Google Trip Planner b. Carpools: carpooling options c. Commuter services Submittals will include: a. Copy of RIPTA pamphlet outlining available public transportation amenities. b. Commitment letter from the employer to provide 300 public transportation passes.

Ruling

Innovation credits are awarded during the certification process, not through the CIR process. This ruling is to provide guidance about the likely measures and documentation that would need to be included in the credit application. This CIR is being submitted based on the merits of a Transportation Management Plan that will be instituted by the administration of the building. The program is part of the owner's efforts to reduce drive alone trips. This inquiry has utilized IDc1.1 CIR ruling dated 5/9/2003 as a basis for its program requirements. As presented in this inquiry, the Transportation Management Plan does not meet the standards established in the referenced CIR. The CIR of 5/9/2003 presented a comprehensive TMP that included the following elements: Rideshare Matching Assistance, Subsidized Regional Transit Pass ( In lieu of providing 3% with Alternative Fuel Vehicles ), Bike Subsidy and User Groups, Amtrak Subsidy, and a Guaranteed Ride Home Program. The above noted program provides a less comprehensive package, providing only bus passes for a percentage of total employees and information on nearby mass transportation options. Additional provisions should be included, such as passes for a larger percentage of employees, rail transit subsidies and programs for carsharing, bikesharing, and vanpools. In order to meet the standards of CIR 5/9/2003 the existing program would need to be expanded. Alternatively, the project team could investigate an exemplary performance Innovation & Design credit for SSc4.1 As described, the project is in the direct vicinity of multiple mass transit options. The exemplary performance guidelines for SSc4.1 are available in the LEED v2.2 reference guide. Applicable Internationally.

ID Credit Title: DIGITAL FACILTY MANUAL Credit Intent: Implement an electronic documents tool that will provide for easy access to all record documents of the facility. This paperless tool shall assis...

Inquiry

ID Credit Title: DIGITAL FACILTY MANUAL Credit Intent: Implement an electronic documents tool that will provide for easy access to all record documents of the facility. This paperless tool shall assist the facility manager in maintenance productivity since the documents will available for view in seconds. This tool will be provided at project turnover and the manual will aid the facility group in long term efficiency in energy and systems operations. Requirements for Compliance: Develop and implement a digital facility manual which will be used for facility operation and maintenance in lieu of traditional three-ring binder and as-built drawings. It shall also incorporate guidance on operating metrics and testing frequency. This tool shall include all divisions of work and provide hyperlinks between the equipment submittals and drawings so the facility operators can access record documents easily and thoroughly. The digital facility manual shall include: - All as-built drawings - All approved equipment submittals - All test records and reports - Preventative maintenance tasks and schedules Submittal: Confirm that a digital facility manual is being used and has replaced the need for hard-copy operations and maintenance documentation. Confirm that all as-built drawings, equipment submittals, test records and reports, preventative maintenance tasks and schedules are accessible through the digital facility manual. Provide letter from facility manager or owner the digital facility manual is being used.

Ruling

The project team is proposing an Innovation in Design credit based on the merits of creating a digital facility manual to be used by facility operation and maintenance staff, in lieu of the traditional three-ring binder and as-built drawings. While this is commendable, the reduction of paper for this facility manual is relatively insignificant compared to the quantity of paper over the duration of the project's design and construction phase. As comprehensive, significant environmental benefits have not been identified, this proposal does not meet the requirements of an innovation credit. Applicable internationally.

Inquiry

ID Credit Title: BUILDING INFORMATION MODELING (BIM) Credit Intent: Implement an integrated 3D model to optimize material usage and reduce overall construction waste. The general contractor and subcontractors will be able to plan for more prefabrication rather then onsite fabrication since the 3D model will provide accurate quantities, measurements and final location of material in the building since the project has already been built once digitally. The prefabrication of materials in return will reduce the amount of material used due to fabricating it correct the first time and the amount of waste that is generate onsite. Benefits to the project - reduced rework from conflicting trades, reduction of unused or extra material, and opportunity to make corrections before an element is buried by other trades. Requirements for Compliance: Implementation of a BIM plan that identifies trades, site logistics and owner furnished elements where 3D planning and coordination will be used. Staff must be in place that can facilitate the extension of the typical 2D detailing and coordination into a 3D model based coordination and planning process. The staff must be able to help integrate individual trade models into a single consolidated model for review on a weekly basis. Systematic evaluation of each consolidated model will be used to identify and resolve conflicts. A final consolidated model must be agreed to by all parties prior to material release and pre-fabrication. - Model Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing, Sprinkler, Stairs, Exterior Skin, Site and Interior Partitions in 3D - Consolidate individual models into a single model on an iterative basis - Test all elements for conflicts, collisions, and access - Translate 3D model information into field layout coordinates - Verify installations against the 3D model as trades complete work Submittal: Confirm trades are fabricating, planning and installing based on the agreed properties in the coordination 3D model. Include list of participants in 3D modeling. Submit list of items that will be pre-fabricated for the project.

Ruling

The project team is proposing an Innovation in Design credit based on the merits of using an integrated 3D model to optimize material usage and reduce overall construction waste. While the benefits of this appear to be compelling, significant quantifiable environmental benefits must be demonstrated to warrant an innovation credit. The quantification of environmental benefits may address the amount of material waste that was reduced as a result of using BIM in the design of the project, such as a reduction in paper used in the design process, reduction in materials due to pre-fabrication and reduction in materials due to better integrated design. Applicable internationally.

Title: Whole Building Double Water Filtration to Obviate the Need for Bottled Water Intent: To minimize or eliminate the use of plastic water bottles in buildings by providing the purity levels afford...

Inquiry

Title: Whole Building Double Water Filtration to Obviate the Need for Bottled Water Intent: To minimize or eliminate the use of plastic water bottles in buildings by providing the purity levels afforded by bottled water through comprehensive building water filtration. The bottled water industry has grown substantially in the past decade. About 74% of Americans drink bottled water; one in five drinks only bottled. Demand is outstripping recycling capacity. According to the Container Recycling Institute, each year an ever smaller proportion of plastic bottles are recycled; from 2 out of 5 in the mid '90s, to only 1 out of 7 today. Seventy million water bottles are disposed of each day, with 60 million going into landfills, oceans or incinerators. Our project plans to implement a two-stage water filtration system that provides water purity equal to or better than bottled water. Implementing water filtration technology is an answer to the severe environmental impact of bottled water, because it reconciles people's desire for pure, safe drinking water with the imperative of reducing waste. By installing two-stage water filtration - first at the main (point-of-entry, POE) and then downstream within kitchen cabinets (point-of-use, POU) -- and educating our occupants about the health and environmental advantages of the system, we anticipate a dramatic reduction in the purchase of bottled water in our building and associated waste. The two-stage configuration, and the specific equipment selected, are designed so as to minimize environmental impact by 1) at POE using negligible water for self-cleaning, and 2) at POU achieving significant filter cartridge longevity. Requirements: - Provide building-wide point-of-entry water filtration that removes particulate contamination equal to or smaller than 10 microns; AND - Provide point-of-use water filtration at 0.2 micron (fine enough to remove bacteria) and NSF/ANSI Standard 42 and 53 certified. AND - Educate building occupants about the system, how it works and its substantial environmental benefits. Benefits: - Obviate the need for bottled water by providing high performance and low impact two-stage water filtration that will substantially reduce the amount of plastic water bottles going to waste from our building. - Reduce the exposure to potentially harmful waterborne contaminants for the entire population through universal access to filtered water. - Reduce the energy required to heat water by screening out particulates that over time negatively impact system efficiency. - Reduce the amount of pollutants released in the manufacture and transportation of bottled water attributable to our building. There are 70 million bottles of water consumed in the US per day. Dividing that number by the total population of approximately 306,000,000, means that 23% of the US population is drinking one bottle of water a day. We believe this estimate to be conservative and that widespread adoption of two-stage water filtration could have a much bigger impact, especially in areas with known water quality problems. We estimate that our 1200 apartment project will have 2130 occupants. Therefore, 23% of 2130 = 479 people drinking one bottle of water a day times 365 days/yr = 174,835 bottles for this one building resulting in a reduction of 149,858 (6 out of 7) bottles going to landfill, oceans or incineration. New occupants will be given an orientation session at the time of lease by the property manager explaining the dual system, the POU maintenance requirements and why the cost and environmental impact of bottled water can be avoided in the building. The tenant environmental guideline will also detail the environmental impact of bottled water and describe the system benefits and performance. The filtration system will be a highlighted feature on all leasing and green building tours.

Ruling

Installation of a water filtration system, with the intent of eliminating the use of plastic water bottles is an acceptable effort for achieving an Innovation in Design credit, as long as calculations and policy/program descriptions are provided as required by posted CIR ruling dated 11/15/2007, showing the quantifiable benefits that may result from the reduction of waste and transportation. Please provide the policy/program document which details the environmental impact of bottled water use and describes the system benefits and performance. Policy/program descriptions must also confirm that the building?provided filtered water will be available at 100% of kitchen sinks throughout the building, and that maintenance of all filtration system components and point?of?use filter replacement will be provided by the building owner per manufacturer's guidelines. For core and shell projects, these requirements will need to be part of a legally binding agreement with the tenants, such as a tenant lease or sales agreement. As part of the program/policy document project team will be required to outline an orientation program to educate building occupants about this sustainable feature of the building and the expected use of filtered water from sinks instead of bottled water; consider adding other green features on the building to this orientation. Documentation of the filtration system, education policy, and sales or lease agreement will need to be provided for certification. ***This CIR Ruling has been updated on 9/14/2009*** Applicable Internationally.

DESCRIPTION Proposed achievement of this credit involves production of a fifteen minute video overview of the resort's LEED and green features. INTENT Previous rulings have indicated a minimum of two...

Inquiry

DESCRIPTION Proposed achievement of this credit involves production of a fifteen minute video overview of the resort's LEED and green features. INTENT Previous rulings have indicated a minimum of two of the following solutions were required to achieve a point for public education within the Innovation and Design category: - Comprehensive signage program - Development of a manual, guideline, or case study - Educational outreach program or guided tour It is the intent of this CIR to seek a ruling that would permit the use of digital media (i.e., video) to serve, as an alternate path to all of the above. REQUIREMENTS Utilize digital media to expand upon the delivery of public education through: - Providing context to the LEED plaque (to be located in the lobby) by playing back the video on a flat screen adjacent to the plaque. This will provide expansive meaning to a plaque that will be viewed by thousands of people each year - including many who are not familiar with USGBC or LEED. Additionally, this would also reduce the traditional use of lobby paper products to tell the green story. Such paper products can sometimes go underutilized and/or are quickly discarded. - Educating visitors on the LEED and non-LEED green attributes of the resort by the daily and multiple playbacks (minimum 4 times each day) of the video on the resort's dedicated in-room television channel. This would achieve USGBC's goal of educating visitors to the project. - Educating new employees by playback of the video as part of their initial training and orientation. This would achieve USGBC's goal of educating employees. - Reaching a larger audience beyond those traveling to the resort by featuring the video on the resort's website and the corporation's environmental initiatives website. In essence the video provides a virtual, as opposed to physical guided tour, of the project without expanding facilities unnecessarily in order to conduct tours of the back of house physical plant. This would complement USGBC's goal of sharing the successes of this project with others who may not have the opportunity to visit the project. SUBMITTALS LEED Design Application Milestone: - Proposed location of lobby LEED plaque and adjacent flat screen - Story treatment/synopsis LEED Construction Application Milestone submittals would include: - Shooting script - Shooting schedule - Schedule of daily playback on the in-room resort channel - Web address/proposed design for the resort and environmental affairs websites that would host the video.

Ruling

The proposed innovation credit is based on using digital media, in the form of a video, which will provide information about the green features of the building. While commendable, this approach alone does not substantiate a comprehensive green education program to warrant achievement of an innovation credit. An additional strategy should be adopted, and must be actively instructional, such as an educational outreach program or guided tour, or a comprehensive signage program built into the building's respective spaces. Please refer to the established requirements for this as noted in the LEED-NC v2.1 CIR ruling dated 09/24/2001. Applicable Internationally.

Intent To utilize a comprehensive Sustainability Plan for a televised event that extends LEED guidelines from building to an annual event. Proposed Requirements Develop and implement a Sustainability...

Inquiry

Intent To utilize a comprehensive Sustainability Plan for a televised event that extends LEED guidelines from building to an annual event. Proposed Requirements Develop and implement a Sustainability Plan that reduces consumption, increases recycling and reuse, offsets fossil fuel energy use and implements Green Education. Provide resource use and disposal baseline quantities and track improvements. Submittal to demonstrate compliance a) Provide resource consumption baselines for a timeline that includes pre-event preparation and the event itself. b) Provide quantifiable improvements for the event using the same timeline as the baseline. Summary of project design approaches The Live Television Production is a temporary facility for an annual single evening event lasting 10 days. - SITES - Transportation: all participants (presenters and production staff) were provided with GM flex fuel and hybrid vehicles. - WATER Conservation: All urinals are waterless at the venue saving 7 million gallons per year. Lavatory sensors are provided for premium seating restrooms - ENERGY: 10% energy reduction with an incremental decrease of 1% per year for 10 year commitment: Production lighting is designed to reduce electrical usage. 2 million kilowatt-hours of Green Power was provided that met three times the electricity needs of the award broadcast 666,000 kwh were used for the broadcast. - MATERIAL: Reuse: 100 % of all building material on the production set is donated to non profit foundations and memorabilia. - MATERIAL: Recycled content - All paper products had recycled content - Invitations, Posters and Programs are printed on Endeavour Recycled Paper, which is 30% post consumer waste, 50% recycled and is Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certified. (1 LEED point for 50% FSC ) - Souvenir Telecast and awards celebration. Tickets are printed on stock that is 40% post-consumer waste and 60% recycled. - Tissue products 100% recyclable post-consumer napkins were used for five (5) full days of crew meals and craft services. vi) MATERIAL - Waste: 35% of waste is diverted from landfills by weight - Event generated 1,029 tons of trash, diverted 360 tons from landfill - Event is in compliance with assembly bill 2176 AB-2176. vii) IEQ -- Green Housekeeping: Venue uses two cleaning products that are green seal certified "Hillyard Chemicals. viii) Green Education - The promotion of all the "green" attributes of the event . Naras to confirm if the greening was indicated on any of the print material used for the event - Raise awareness of the availability and benefits of Green Power in Los Angeles and beyond. Green Volunteer Team responsible for placing recycling containers in key staff and public facing areas and educating people on what goes in the bins. In addition to managing the recycling stations, each volunteer had a document on hand to speak to the other aspects of the events that were green. ix) FOOD - Water sponsored by PRIMO, whose bottles are made from American grown corn oil, not petroleum - The 100% of food packaging is nature based and environmentally sustainable - 100% Sustainable Food for crew & parties - Regional, Organic, humane and environmentally-friendly food and food practices, including seafood, dairy, and produce - 100% Reusable service materials and accessories. Reusable service materials such as ceramic plates, glass tumblers and silverware included at crew meals and craft services. - Food Waste -- 100% food waste from the event was sorted, compacted and managed by New Market Waste Solutions for donation and composting. - Food Donation. Venue Concessionaire Partner donates edible left over food to the Angel Donation program at a local mission. Un-used food from the after-party (& crews) donated to local organization to feed the homeless in local shelters.

Ruling

The applicant is requesting confirmation on whether an innovation credit may be awarded based on sustainable practices relating to an annual event. Innovation credits are reserved for green building strategies that demonstrate innovative performance in green building that are not specifically addressed elsewhere in the rating system and/or demonstrate exceptional performance beyond existing credit requirements. While it is laudable that environmentally preferable practices be implemented for events, it does not appear that the proposed credit is related to green building practices and is therefore not eligible for an innovation credit. Applicable Internationally.

The Innovation in Design Credit Catalog describes a potential ID credit as Common Area Services. The intent of that credit is to demonstrate innovative performance by enhancing the quality of life for...

Inquiry

The Innovation in Design Credit Catalog describes a potential ID credit as Common Area Services. The intent of that credit is to demonstrate innovative performance by enhancing the quality of life for campus occupants while reducing vehicular traffic out of campus. CREDIT REQUIREMENTS: The requirements appear very specific and include requirements to incorporate a comprehensive design for a centralized facility to house a cafeteria, gym, travel agency, credit union, printing/publishing services as well as laundry services. While our project includes many of these specific items, a cafeteria, a wellness suite, and potential for travel planning and purchase in the computer lab, it would be redundant for our facility to provide other services provided elsewhere on campus, such as laundry facilities and gymnasium. The Student Center has been designed with the intent to enhance the quality of campus life, build community between students, faculty, staff and the community, and bring a large number of facilities and services under one roof. Prior to designing this building, when interviewed, students complained that there was nothing to do outside of classes and they wanted healthier food choices. The New Student Center was designed to minimize the need for students (as well as visitors, faculty and staff, during office hours) to leave campus to go to Easton Mall and other places to obtain the described services. In addition to the items listed above, the building will provide a convenience store, a bookstore, study and social lounges, a campus radio station, a computer lab for personal usage, small, medium and large meeting rooms s available for on-campus group meetings, and the project encloses the pedestrian access to the gym, basketball courts, dance area, showers and lockers in an adjoining facility less than 200 feet away. PROJECT APPROACH TO ACHIEVING CREDIT: In providing the documentation for this innovative design credit, we propose to: - Estimate the reduction of vehicular usage by providing these additional services to the campus and surrounding community by the addition of this new building. - Calculate the environmental benefits and the reduction of impacts in comparison to a conventional campus complex including how many people visit each facility/day and the subsequent reduction in CO2. - In addition, we will provide an itemized list of other facilities and services currently available on campus within walking distance of the new student center.

Ruling

The project team is requesting clarification as to whether an innovation credit can be awarded based on the provision of a centralized facility that includes various basic services, in the core area of a university campus. The project team is proposing to demonstrate that the centralized facility will reduce the CO2 associated with student/visitor commuting. While the incorporation of the various services into the centralized facility is commendable, it is common practice for educational institutes to incorporate a variety of services within a centralized facility like this, to serve the needs of the student population on campus. It is further unclear as to how the project team would reasonably establish a baseline for comparison, and therefore it is also unclear how the proposed approach would demonstrate significant quantifiable environmental benefits through the expected CO2 reduction. Applicable Internationally.

We welcome and value the opinions of our green building community. We are collecting feedback on LEED v4 during the 5th open commenting period. At this time, each USGBC site user may comment on the open credits.

Please note:

Only one comment per individual is allowed

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Users may comment within the credit library, or on LEEDuser.com (but only one comment will be accepted for both sites)

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